Still digging for gold

Brazil denied the United States its first Olympic gold medal in women's volleyball Saturday in a 3-1 upset that had the Brazilians turning somersaults on the court and some American players sobbing.

It was the first loss for the U.S. at the tournament and the second consecutive gold medal for Brazil. American star Destinee Hooker was held to 14 points. Stockton native and Lincoln High graduate Nicole Davis had 13 digs.

Jaqueline Carvalho had 18 points to help Brazil overcome a disastrous first set and win 11-25, 25-17, 25-20, 25-17.

"I'm proud of these girls. We worked really hard; we came into this final game undefeated. You can't get any better than that," Hooker said. "I think Brazil kicked it up a notch after the first set. A wonderful win for them."

It was the second silver in a row and third overall (1984) for the U.S. women. Davis also was on the 2008 team.

The loss in London was a disappointing finish for U.S. coach Hugh McCutcheon and kept him from the distinction of steering both the American men's and women's teams to gold medals. He came over to the women's side after leading the men on an undefeated run through the Beijing Games.

"Yeah, listen, (Brazil) played better today," McCutcheon said. "That's what it comes down to. We train for four years, we come here for two weeks, and it comes down to two hours. I don't think we played poorly tonight; I think Brazil played really well."

The Americans were favored and started their captain, Lindsey Berg, despite a left Achilles strain earlier in the competition. She had been listed as day-to-day but promised to play in the final. She had eight digs and seven blocks.

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